George Abert

George Gideon Abert (May 10, 1817 – October 14, 1890) was an immigrant to the United States from Alsace in France, Democratic politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was an important figure in the growth and development of the city of Milwaukee, and represented the city for seven terms as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 1860s and 1870s.

Early life Abert was born in Soultz-sous-Forêts, Alsace, during the Bourbon Restoration in France. His father owned land in Alsace, but died when George was about ten years old. He went to live with his uncle, Martin, and emigrated with him and his family to the United States in 1829. The landed at New York City, but quickly moved to the town of Lyons, in Wayne County, New York. He worked as a farmhand during the summer and went to school in the winter until age 14, when he decided to set off on his own.

While serving as alderman, he gave shelter to two fugitives from slavery, "Bill Windfree" and his wife. Abert allowed them to live on his land outside the city, but for compensation, Abert asked for Windfree to cut wood and clear land. After a season, Windfree continued on his journey. He was then elected to three more terms in 1867, 1868, and 1869, before being elected to a final term in 1871. In all of his legislative service, he represented Milwaukee County's 2nd Assembly district, which through all those years comprised the 2nd ward of the city of Milwaukee.

He acquired a large amount of land through his business success, and devoted much of his later years to dealing with his real estate holdings. He died at his home in Milwaukee, which he had constructed in 1849. John B. Abert, their fourth child, enlisted at age 16 and served in the 45th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. After the war, he operated the family's iron foundry for many years, served as deputy sheriff, and was elected to the Milwaukee city council.

Electoral history